Water pump question

[Salty Chief 35]

To all, I am planning future hot rod or 35 truck build. For now, I have a 351 Cleveland that came out of a pantera from my father. So I have the motor but haven’t got the kit yet. I’m rebuilding the motor while it’s out and want to replace the water pump. It tended to run hot in pantera. I’m leaning towards an electric pump but it sticks out about 4” farther than the mechanical pump.
Can anyone tell me if there is enough room for the electric pump? The Cleveland is almost the exact same length as the Windsor block and 302’s out there. (They put Cleveland heads on those motors to make bosses).
Thanks
Jeremie

[CDXXVII]

Why not just put a quality mechanical water pump on it and be done. You should get a ton more airflow around the engine up front in a 33 compared to buried in the back of a Pantera.

What happened to the Pantera?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-8844/make/ford

[NAZ]

Jeremie, I suspect you'll have plenty of clearance for an extra 4" as the water pump sets higher in the chassis. I did a quick search for a drawing that shows the 351C dimensions but no joy. If you can find a source of the engine exterior dims I'll be happy to measure for you on my hot rod. I run an electric pump on my car (SBC) and have plenty of room in front of the pump. Also, if you run the 32 grill I suspect you'll have even more as the 32 radiator stands upright unlike the 33. I haven't verified this but looking at photos of other builds it appears there is more room. Plus, if all things are equal, the radiator will be more efficient standing upright than laid back like the 33.

There are advantage of running an electric pump but I'm not sure they're worth the cost for a garden variety street rod. It's usually simpler to get a drive system that works with the standard mechanical pump and if you want to run a hood, you're going to find that this limits your drive selection even with the mechanical pump. Unless you have an engine that revs past 7000 and you're building a track car, don't select a drive that slows the pump or alternator. At idle, you want to have plenty of flow for your coolant system and slowing the alternator may not provide enough power at idle if your electrical load is similar to most modern cars.

[Salty Chief 35]

The pantera was sold last summer. My dad removed the race motor that was in it and put in a much more street able Cleveland for the sale. This is the sportier Cleveland. It’s been rebuilt, stroked and has a 2 stage nitrous kit. I’m not sure if I’m keeping the nitrous set up. The electric water pump would be better at lower rpm but I understand not as good at extended high rpm use. I’m in the Tampa area so basically the corona of the sun 6 moths a year. It’s hot just sitting in garage. Naz, it looks like you’re in Arizona, so you know hot too!!
My biggest concern for space is it appears the front suspension components are right there between motor and radiator. When I called ffr tech support about pulley set up, I got the impression I won’t be able to fit much more than a serpentine system without hitting. I’m sure I’ll be asking about the oil pan (canton racing fox body rear sump?)and headers (Sanderson?) at some point too.

[NAZ]

OK, sounds like this is a real hot rod engine. So concentrate on maximizing your coolant system efficiency and if you go electric, get the highest flow rate available (typically 55 GPM). You can get higher flow rates in mechanical pumps. There is room to move the engine to the rear a bit if needed and since this is a FORD, that's a little easier not dealing with distributor clearance with the firewall.

Now, once you get to the exhaust system, you're going to be very disappointed in the lack of clearance for running an adequately sized exhaust. You might want to take a look at what I had to do to run the size tubing required for my engine. You can choose to choke down the flow (and affect performance) or go with custom headers and creative routing.

What do you plan to do with the vehicle?

[Salty Chief 35]

My plans for the car... I would like to say that I’m gonna drive it to sebring or Daytona road course. The reality is that will probably never happen. It will be a spirited street car maybe an occasional trip to the local drag strip for run what ya bring night. Less likely an autocross day as there isn’t really anything that close.
If I can hurt someone’s feelings in a hellcat or corvette, I’ll be happy!!